Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Gran Reserva blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, aged extensively in oak and bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers depth, elegance, and maturity without excess weight, a refined display of Rioja Alavesa pedigree.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, dried fig, redcurrant, and plum layered with cedar, leather, vanilla bean, clove, and cocoa. Subtle dried herbs and balsamic notes appear with air, adding savory complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with silky, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Supple, harmonious texture with a long, elegant finish that leans more refined than powerful.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Gran Reserva that blends classic Rioja maturity with freshness and finesse. Complex, layered, and quietly profound, more about harmony and nuance than sheer extraction.

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines represent only a small fraction of Rioja production and must undergo a minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle, resulting in their signature silky texture and developed aromatics. — 6 months ago

Sébastien F

9.3

C'est du haut niveau sur du fruit mur. La mûre, les notes viandées, le sous bois, une bouche tapissante, une longueur folle.
Un tout petit excès d'alcool à peine domageable. — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; no formal notes due to the setting. It has been a few years since I last enjoyed the 2015 and I am happy to report that it is now very much open for business. The fruit is on full display and the oak is much better integrated. The structure is still quite firm but I found everything to be in better balance than it was upon release. This is squarely and its drinking window and should remain that way through the remainder of this decade and likely, well beyond. Drink now through 2030+ — 9 months ago

Mike Miller

9.0

Pepper and spices. — 3 years ago

with Anne

John Murphy

9.1

Drinking smoothly after being open for 2+ hrs. Bright, clean fruit. Red cherries for days. Very tasty! — 5 years ago

Jeff Hasmann

9.4

Wow! Fabulous from very old Tempranillo vines in Roa Del Duero. The Esteban family maintains their 60 ha of vines meticulously using extensive biodynamic practices and precise winemaking. It shows in the wine. Black fruit and currants meld harmoniously with hints of tobacco, coffee, licorice, and mineral. The texture is rich; the concentration of fruit is dense. This is a seriously good bottle of wine that WS gave 96 pts. 2016 vintage on Feb 11, 2020 — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.

Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.

Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.

Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 6 months ago

Dan Cobb

9.5

Very soft, light structure. Very approachable — 7 months ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Im offenausschank und vorher noch auf delectable gecheckt. Bei den noten dachte ich erst dass es nicht ganz der gleiche wein von diesem produzenten sein kann. Nach dem zweiten schluck allerdings schon! Wow! Einfach wow! Feinfruchtig, weisse blüten, birnen, etwas minze, im gaumen weich, rund, südfrüchtig mit leichter mineralität. Hut ab! — 8 months ago

The Pretentious Gentleman

9.0

Really enjoying this tasty, dry sipper. I haven't had many Riojas but this is the first one I actually like. Good stuff! — 2 years ago

Cheylsea Lauren

9.0

Juicy, spicy, high alcohol — 4 years ago

Melissa E

9.2

Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha. Amazing nose, sweet cherry vanilla. Then taste is complex with dark cherry and blackberry, vanilla, oak, toast, leather. Tannins stronger that I expected. It’s 2014 but tastes young. I will give it some time. — 6 years ago

Miriam De Lyon

9.0

Trying our first Rioja ‘Pies Negros’ - black feet from stomping those grapes! — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.

Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.

Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.

Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.

Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.

Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.

Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 6 months ago

John Willison

9.0

Orange funk…in a good way. — 9 months ago

Megan Haussmann

9.7

Finish of apricot. Orange wine but not funky — 4 years ago

McCue Enright

9.2

Smells like wet leaves (earthy), tastes like tart, cherry candy. — 5 years ago

Malori Maeva

9.9

LOVE THIS WINE. Super smooth and has a yummy berry finish that makes me want to guzzle the whole bottle. 10/10 would buy and guzzle again. — 6 years ago

Raun Kupiec

8.9

Scent of earth and berries? Nice rounded tannins, bitter jam. — 7 years ago

with Barbara